The Sacrament of Reconciliation

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is also called the Sacrament of Penance.

Why do we need the Sacrament of Reconciliation ? Some times people sin! Sin can break down our relationship with God and other people we love and care about.

What is it ? And Why do we need the Sacrament of Reconciliation ? The Sacrament of Reconciliation is the healing of our relationship with God and his family which has broken down because of sin. The sacrament of Reconciliation is, in one respect, the renewal of our Baptism and allows us the freedom to live the Christian life, to be the people God made us to be.

Who instituted the Sacrament of Reconciliation ? Jesus himself instituted the Sacrament of Reconciliation when he showed himself to his apostles on Easter day and commanded them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained" (John 20:22a-23). Nowhere did Jesus express more beautifully what happens in the Sacrament of Reconciliation than in the Parable of the Prodigal Son

KEYS Symbols of the Sacrament of Reconciliation Stole A stole is a long, narrow strip of cloth worn over the shoulders, which hangs in front in equal lengths on the right and left sides of a priest. The stole signifies the priest’s authority to preside over the Sacraments and his authority to take away sins in particular. When a priest hears confessions and during The Sacrament of Reconciliation, he wears a purple stole, which symbolises repentance and sorrow. Keys crisscrossed in the shape of an “X” are the most common symbol for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The symbol originates with Jesus’ words to Peter, “I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Matthew 16:19) It is here were Jesus established the Sacrament of Reconciliation and gave the Church the authority to forgive sins.

Symbols of the Sacrament of Reconciliation A Raised Hand During the Sacrament of Reconciliation, after the penitent makes the Act of Contrition, the priest offers the Prayer of Absolution, the blessing that removes the person’s sins, and as he does so he extends his right hand over the penitent’s head. Note: Penitent- The person receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Sign of The Cross The priest makes a Sign of the Cross over the penitent as he recites the final words of the Prayer of Absolution, “And I absolve you from all your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” Jesus “himself bore our sins in his body upon the Cross” (1 Peter 2:24a). Jesus has reconciled all things through himself, and he has made peace by the blood of his Cross (Colossians 1:20).

Classroom Activity! EEKK (Eye to Eye, Knee to Knee) Students in a circle face a student part of an inner circle. At various questions, students swap partners- directed by the teacher. Consider a time when you felt God's forgiveness in your life? What happened? Did it alter/change your faith? Why do we need forgiveness? Is forgiveness/reconciliation important today? Why? We often hear the phrase, I can forgive, but I won't forget‟. Is this true forgiveness? What is it to reach true forgiveness?